220-1101 Question 460
Single answerPaper not feedingA user reports that a laser printer powers on normally and displays Ready, but jobs remain in the queue because the printer repeatedly shows a paper pickup error when printing from Tray 1. You verify that the paper is loaded correctly, the guides are snug, and there is no visible paper jam. The same error occurs with a known-good ream of paper. What is the MOST likely cause of the problem?
- A
The pickup rollers in Tray 1 are worn and need to be cleaned or replaced
- B
The fuser assembly is overheating and preventing paper from entering the print path
- C
The toner cartridge is low and the printer is pausing the job until toner is replaced
- D
The printer has lost its network configuration and cannot receive jobs properly
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This scenario tests practical printer troubleshooting for paper not feeding, a common A+ Core 1 objective. Because the printer is powered on, shows Ready, and specifically reports a pickup/feed error from Tray 1, the most likely cause is a paper-handling component failure in that tray, especially worn or dirty pickup rollers. Standard printer troubleshooting best practices are to verify paper type and condition, confirm tray loading and guide alignment, check for jams or obstructions, and then inspect consumable feed components such as pickup rollers and separation pads. Manufacturer service documentation for laser printers commonly identifies worn pickup rollers as a leading cause of repeated no-feed or misfeed symptoms from a specific tray.
- A. Correct.
Correct. When a printer is ready, accepts jobs, and repeatedly reports a paper pickup or feed issue from a specific tray despite proper paper loading and no jam, worn or dirty pickup rollers are a common cause. Pickup rollers are responsible for grabbing a sheet from the tray and moving it into the paper path. If they are glazed, dusty, or worn smooth, the printer may fail to feed paper even though everything else appears normal.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A failing or overheating fuser typically causes issues later in the print process, such as wrinkled pages, smeared toner, blank areas, or paper jams near the output path. It does not usually prevent the initial pickup of paper from the tray. This is a plausible distractor because the fuser is a major printer component, but it is not the best match for a paper not feeding symptom at the tray.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A low toner cartridge usually results in faded prints, streaking, warning messages, or eventually no printing due to supply depletion. It does not normally cause a mechanical paper pickup error from a specific tray. Someone might choose this because supply issues can stop printing, but the symptom here is paper not feeding, not poor image quality.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. If the printer had lost network connectivity or configuration, the printer would not reliably receive jobs, or users would see communication errors rather than a paper pickup error on the printer itself. The scenario states that jobs reach the printer and the printer reports a feed-related fault, which points to a hardware paper-handling issue instead of a network problem.